I Had Car Accident - What To Do Now?

You were in an accident now what. Here are some things I learned from my recent experience and reading over few things.

Is any one injured or car is blocking any traffic: Call 911. This is a commonsense thing. But what to capture it here to complete the list.

Do both parties agree about whose fault was it: If there is agreement about whose fault it is then it should be easy to get each others Drive Licence and Insurance Information.

Is it my fault: If it is my fault then I need to notify my insurance company and get the claim registers. If it is other party, then usually they will call you, but since you have gathered the information you may call them as well.

Is Car drivable: Once all the processes with Cops, Fire brigade and Insurance Company is done, move the car or get it towed.

Before Appraiser Take a look at your car: Here is very important thing. Before Appraiser from Insurance Company takes a look at your car, you may want your mechanic taking a good look at it. Get his opinion about what is the damage and whether it is worth fixing etc. This will give you a starting point with the insurance company. If mechanic thinks it is not worth fixing the car then start your research about what is the value of your car right now.

Working with Insurance Company: Once appraiser takes a look at the car, he will notify Insurance company his finding. Insurance company will contact you with the options.

1. Amount to Fix the Car.
2. Amount to Salvage the Car.
3. Amount to Buy Back the Car.

Usually it is two of the above options. Since you have already talked to your mechanic you have good idea which option to accept. And you do have idea about the value of the car as well if it needs to be salvaged.

Is it possible to Bargain with Insurance Company: Every company is different. But it is not that your hands are tied even if it was your mistake.

First get everything in written. What are they considering while offering any kind of payment options. That will be a starting point if any bargaining is needed.

1. Is it possible that insurance company did not cover all the add-on features of your car while providing Salvage Value. Then you can let them know and they should be able to work with you.
2. Insurance company may be giving you little less then market value. If you have some quotes from online agencies about value of your car, you may show them to insurance company if their price is lower.
3. Same way for fixing budget as well. If you have better quotes, you may work with them.

Rental Car: If you have rental car covered in your insurance, then you will be eligible for probably a month worth of rental. Some time insurance company will want you to start paying them as soon as they have notified you of the options available to you. You do want to ask it in written before agreeing to anything or giving away rental car.

Car Needs Fixing: If insurance company agrees to fix the car, do I have to work with same Mechanic that insurance company tells me? No I don't. I can take your car to the mechanic of your choice.

Car Needs to be totaled: If insurance company tell me to total the car. Do I have any other option? Yes, as mentioned above, you may buy back the car for fraction of the cost.

eg. They will say, if we total the car we pay you 7000 dollars. You may purchase it for about 1000 dollars(Deductible and Auction Price). ie They pay you 6000 dollars and give you the car back.

Hope this helps.